DENMARK AND LESOTHO SIGN AGREEMENT

The governments of Denmark and Lesotho signed an agreement to support the implementation of the Lesotho Environmental Education Support Project (LEESP).

The Agreement was signed in Maseru on December 7th, 2000.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Honourable Kelebone Maope signed on behalf of the Government of Lesotho, while the Ambassador of Denmark to Lesotho, located in Pretoria, Mr. Bjarne Sorensen signed on behalf of his country.

At the signing ceremony, Honourable Maope stated that LEESP would be a three-year project, funded by the Danish Cooperation for Environment and Development.  The funding will be to a tune of M10 Million, while Lesotho will contribute M433 000.

Honourabler Maope further indicated that the Project is intended to support Environmental Education and will be implemented by the National Curriculum Development Centre of the Ministry of Education.  

The integration of Environment Education in the formal Curriculum follows agenda 21 Resolutions of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. 

On his address, Ambassador Sorensen noted the signing as a token of a long lasting friendship between his Government and the Government of Lesotho.  He said he hopes the friendship will continue for more years to come. 

His Excellency Sorensen pointed out the aim of his country in engaging in projects of this kind as follows; to improve the environment in an effort to achieve higher development in countries.  The projects have been on-going since 1997.

In conclusion, the Ambassador noted that Denmark has so far contributed M17 Million in environmental protection.  The endeavour is for the benefit of the young generation, by virtue of their being future beneficiaries.

SOURCE:  MINISTRY OF FINANCE AND DEVELOPMENT PLANNING